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Words by Andre Kettle
Actor John Boyega, known for his breakout role in the new Star Wars saga, spoke candidly about his experience with racism while recording and promoting the movie in a recent interview. No one asked him, but Michael Rapaport voiced his opinion.
In Boyega’s interview with British GQ, the actor tells us his experience with Star Wars franchise. He felt that the franchise heavily promoted his character just because he was Black and suppressed parts of his identity to portray his character, which was eventually subsided. He also spoke about the co-stars of color that faced similar struggles.
Michael then felt the need to speak on the subject at hand. Taking to social media to publicly voice his concern, he first congratulated John before eventually telling him he should be grateful that he was in a Star Wars movie.
@JohnBoyega Yo my man you have done so much in such a short period of time. Congrats.. but you ain’t the first actor to have an un nuanced character in a Star Wars movie #beniciodeltoro Welcome to show business. Shit doesn’t always go ur way
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) September 2, 2020
Boyega then responded back to Michael saying “Did you read the article? thanks for the additional name to my list though,” possibly referring to the list of people who have criticized John for speaking out about his experience.
Michael quickly followed up saying “Things don’t always work out the way YOU plan. Happens to ALL of Us. Again be grateful for all u done so far which is a lot more than TONS of great actors of all races who also had roles cut down & continue to.”
Ya I read the article. That’s why I tweeted u. It’s show business.
Things don’t always work out the way YOU plan.Happens to ALL of Us. Again be grateful for all u done so far which is a lot more than TONS of great actors of all races who also had roles cut down & will continue to— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) September 2, 2020
“:) no. Thanks though,” Boyega says.
U could always not do the next Star Wars film because you have CHOICES. Unlike 99.9% of most actors of all races
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) September 2, 2020
🙂 no. Thanks though.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) September 2, 2020
Twitter then came to the defense of John, scolding Rapaport for putting his nose in business that he no reason to be in.
You out of pocket on that @MichaelRapaport . They took a shit on his character. This talented man was the FIRST face shown for the new trilogy. Blerds wanted our NEW black Jedi… we wanted a Brown force sensitive baby Jedi… just more of the same shit…
— My Info (@Madgenius_X69) September 2, 2020
John Boyega politely telling Michael Rapaport to go fuck himself. pic.twitter.com/VL1Nk2vxG4
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) September 2, 2020
— ⚜️ (@RoyalxMelanin) September 2, 2020
Hey Mike just wondering if you remembered that Benicio was in the second movie of the new trilogy but not the first. Just wondering 🙂
— I Think You Should Dérive (@ArtBrovera) September 2, 2020
AHT AHT AHT let the man say his piece without invalidating it, sir! an experience giving you good things doesn’t mean the rest of the experience can’t be terrible & wholly unfair, it’s not either or. John can be grateful AND talk about how poorly he was treated.
— zemi xío (@zemirahxio) September 2, 2020
Do you feel like Michael Rapaport was justified or is he taking his cookout “invitation” a little too far?